How can a car be changing velocity yet not changing speed?

Speed is a scalar, which means the car's speed will be a value that has a magnitude (number) only. Velocity is a vector, which means that the car's velocity will be a value that has both magnitude and direction. In this case, the car is changing its direction of travel but the magnitude of the speed stays the same.

JL
Answered by Jade L. Physics tutor

4977 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

By referencing the magnetic field and the alternating potential difference explain how a cyclotron produces a beam of high speed particles.


Define Simple Harmonic Motion


What is a vector?


Given the Earth orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.49*10^11m with Me = 5.97*10^24kg and Msolar = 1.99*10^30, what is the gravitational force between the Earth and Sun?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning